CRUNCHEd: a blog about people and numbers

10 Celebs Who Are Surprisingly Smart Investors

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There’s no shortage of stories on celebrities who managed to blow through their considerable fortunes, but not all stars are irresponsible with their money. In fact, there are many celebrities who are incredibly smart, investing well and making wise business decisions. You can learn about (and from) these surprisingly smart celebrity investors.

Ashton Kutcher: Ashton Kutcher has gone from "Dude, Sweet!!" to a major investor. Kutcher was asked to invest in Skype, and has recently become a savvy investor in startups. He got started in investment with the VoIP startup Ooma in 2004, and now runs his own investment vehicle, Grade-A Investments.

William Shatner: After making a deal to do radio spots for Priceline while it was still a startup, the company wanted to go to television with William Shatner, but didn’t have enough money to pay him. William Shatner offered to take stock after learning about the company, and made smart money off the investment.

Jay-Z: Shawn Carter, known by many as Jay-Z, made millions in records, but grew his fortune with smart business ventures. Rocawear clothing, the 40/40 club, and an interest in the New Jersey Nets and the Aqueduct Entertainment Group keep the millions rolling in for this rapper.

50 Cent: 50 Cent’s stardom may have sparked his riches, but he’s worked on several side projects that netted him millions. His most impressive investment was in Vitamin Water, which earned him an estimated $100 million. He’s now an official investor in Gunnar Optiks, and has a say in the company’s direction.

Justin Timberlake: Justin Timberlake is no stranger to investment, launching popular celebrity investment staples including a tequila, record label, and restaurants. He has also opened a $16 million golf complex in the Memphis area, which was renovated and rebranded as a public golf course with a positive impact.

Will Ferrell: Will Ferrell may play the role of outwardly dumb guys in comedies, but he’s a wise investor on the inside. He plays the role of dot-com investor with Funny Or Die, which has been incredibly successful since its launch in 2007, attracting Sequoia Capital, Time Warner, and HBO.

Seth Green: Seth Green not only lives a smart money lifestyle, he offers advice for doing the same. As an actor, producer, and director, Green has done a great job in the entertainment business, but he doesn’t flash his money. Rather, he spends it wisely, and shares his advice for how fans can follow suit, sharing a You Tube video mocking Cribs, and a one-hour special UN-Broke on ABC.

Jessica Simpson: Jessica Simpson is rarely regarded for her intelligence, but she’s made some well timed and well executed investment decisions. For example, she sold the master license to her clothing brand for a reported $15 million, with royalties.

Sammy Hagar: Long before it was cool for celebrities to make liquor, Sammy Hagar was doing it. After the Cabo Wabo cantina he started with his bandmates started to fail, he bought them out and commissioned a private label tequila from a small family distillery. Hagar sold a majority share of Cabo Wabo in 2007 for $80 million, and has started a restaurant chain.

Jaclyn Smith: You know her as one of Charlie’s Angels, but she’s continued to make good money even long after her time on the show was over. She partnered with Kmart, creating a clothing and accessories collection that has claimed more than 100 million customers.